What is a Molecule?
A molecule is the smallest particle of an element or a compound that can exist freely on its own.
Types of Molecules
There are three main types of molecules:
1. Monoatomic Molecules
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Made of one atom only.
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Example: Noble gases.
Examples:
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Helium (He)
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Neon (Ne)
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Argon (Ar)
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Xenon (Xe)
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Radon (Rn)
2. Diatomic Molecules
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Made of two atoms joined together.
Examples:
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Hydrogen (H₂)
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Oxygen (O₂)
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Nitrogen (N₂)
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Fluorine (F₂)
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Chlorine (Cl₂)
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Bromine (Br₂)
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Iodine (I₂)
3. Polyatomic Molecules
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Made of many atoms.
Examples:
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Sulphur (S₈)
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Phosphorus (P₄)
Key Point
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Molecules can be made of the same type of atom (like O₂) or different atoms (like H₂O, in compounds).